Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 4 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 12 July 2002. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Friday, 12 July 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make photodynamic therapy an approved NHS treatment; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make photodynamic therapy an approved NHS treatment; and if he will make a statement. [68292] Mr. Lammy: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) are carrying out an appraisal of photodynamic therapy as a treatment for age related macular degeneration. NICE published its final appraisal determination on photodynamic therapy on 12 June. This has been appealed against. An appeal panel will now be convened to hear the appeal and decide the outcome. If the appeal is not upheld, then guidance will be published, however, if it is upheld then the appeals panel will ask the appraisal committee to reconsider the evidence in light of the appeal panel's decision. The earliest guidance could be available to the National Health Service is early August.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 388 c1280W;388 c1281W; 68292
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Diseases Eyesight Eyes Medical treatments Ophthalmic services Macular degeneration
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk